Obituaries

A memorial service for Merlon “Dwayne” Tucker, 88, of Tyler, was Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Colonial Hills Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Carter officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Mr. Tucker passed away January 21, 2014 at ETMC hospital in Tyler. He was born November 30, 1925 in Martins Mill, Texas to David Peel and Blanche Seale Tucker.Dwayne graduated from Waco High School in 1943 and played football while there. He attended Texas A&M University where he played offensive tackle #70. While attending A&M, he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. Following his service to his country, Dwayne began his career as a seed buyer and a mill manager which lead him to Swift & Co. In 1970 he began a 22 year career with Chickasha Cotton Oil Company in Fort Worth, Texas where he served as president for 6 years before retirement. He was an active member and served as a deacon of Wedgewood Baptist Church in Ft. Worth. Upon retirement, Dwayne moved to Scroggins, Texas where he resided on Lake Cypress Springs and was a member of First Baptist Church, Mount Vernon. He later moved to Tyler, where he could be closer to his grandsons and family. Dwayne enjoyed fishing, following Aggie football, reading and spending time with dear friends and family.Dwayne was the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was loved and adored by all who knew him.He was preceded in death by his parents, David Peel and Blanche Seale Tucker, son-in-law, Timothy Biggers King and sister, Phannon Dorman.Dwayne is survived by his loving family including his wife of 64 years, Billidare Cowgill Tucker; daughter, Lisa Tucker King; grandchildren, Tucker Andrew King and Tanner Christopher King; and by many nieces and nephews. If desired, memorials may be made to Pine Cove Christian Camps and The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County.